The opening match of round three has Kenmore facing UQ at Chelmer. Both teams are currently undefeated this season, with percentage separating them at the top of the ladder. The Bears had a comfortable 22 point victory last week against Yeronga, while over at St Lucia, the Red Lions were able to hold off a fast closing Aspley by 10 points. Tim Plummer and Cam Stirling were among Kenmore’s best, with 4 and 3 goals respectively. A concern for the Bears will be trying to contain Luke Wray, who currently sits on top of the goal kicking table after booting 8 majors last week against the Hornets. Louis Staker also contributed nicely in that contest, kicking 2 goals himself as well as being one of the best afield.
In the second game, Wynnum will play host to Kedron in what will surely be a tough encounter for the home side. After being beaten by Caloundra last week by 3 goals, Wynnum will be facing a Lions outfit who comprehensively took down the Coorparoo Kings by 41 points. Kedron’s Steve Jamieson kicked 7 goals and was supported well by Ben Langham with 5 majors of his own. Dan Duffield also continued his good form by being named in the best for the second time in as many weeks. Wynnum will again look to Ben Chalmers and Will Broome to provide a lift if they are any chance of taking down the giant killers from the north.
Last year’s premiers will be at home to the Alex Hill Bombers on Saturday in what could be the most interesting game of the round. The Bombers are unbeaten in 2011, but the boys from the north coast are a much better side than their 1-1 record. In their match against Wynnum last week, the Panthers travelled well and prevailed by 18 points. The imposing Clarke brothers were amongst the best for Caloundra, with Shaun and Pat kicking 5 between them. Alex Hills comfortably disposed of Robina by 4 goals, with Ash Templar continuing his consistent form up forward with 3 goals, and Alex De Hayr setting up his season with another positive showing.
Giffin Park will be the scene for Coorparoo and Robina clash this week in what should be an act of redemption following the Kings’ shock loss in round two. The Roos were unable to go with Alex Hills last week, but it was Coorparoo’s defeat at the hands of Kedron that was the big surprise of the round. Josh Lake and Shane Lindsay were still handy for the Kings, but it wasn’t enough to get over the recently elevated Kedron. They will be out to get that one back this week and if Robina stand any chance, Ryan Wetering and Matt Brick will again need to be accurate in front of goal following promising performances last week in a losing side.
Aspley will be looking to get their first win of the season on Sunday when they take on Yeronga at Graham Road. After coming close to both UQ and Alex Hills, the Hornets will be hungry to finally get over the line. Yeronga couldn’t quite match Kenmore last week, but there were some promising performances by Matt Lockyer and Shane McGrath, while Joel Careless was again named in his side’s best. For the Hornets, Will McElroy has been a standout so far this year and Luke Muirhead has been a massive presence at centre half forward. Aspley will also be buoyed by the return of powerhouse forward Lachlan Harris after injury stalled his start to the year.
